Football agent Neville Neville, 63, will fully deny the allegation that he sexually assaulted a 46-year-old woman, his lawyer said last night.

Neville, who is the head of one of Britain’s most successful sporting families, yesterday appeared at Bury Magistrates’ Court charged with sexual penetration without consent on March 23, 2013. The allegation carries a maximum four-year jail sentence.

Neville spoke only to give his name, date of birth and address during the two-minute hearing, where he was allowed to sit on a bench behind his lawyer instead of in the dock. The case was adjourned for trial at Bolton Crown Court, where he will next appear at a preliminary hearing on July 1.

District Judge James Prowse granted him bail on a condition he does not enter a pub near his £650,000 home in Bury.

He warned Mr Neville he could be arrested and the case may proceed in his absence if he fails to attend the hearing.

Neville, who is dad to England team coach Gary, 38, recently-retired Everton skipper Phil and his twin sister Tracey, 36, a former England international netball player, declined to comment as he was driven off.

“District Judge James Prowse granted him bail on a condition he does not enter a pub near his £650,000 home in Bury”

He was arrested after the alleged victim told police she was attacked in a car during an early-hours lift home after a party.